Federal officials have identified the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. four years ago through a military evacuation program.
Investigators say Lakanwal entered the country on September 8, 2021, under Operation Allies Welcome following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to senior law enforcement officials familiar with the case, he applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was approved earlier this year. His immigration parole authorization, however, expired in September, leaving his legal status under review at the time of the incident.
After settling in the United States, Lakanwal moved with his wife and five children to Bellingham, Washington. Federal sources also confirm that he previously served in the Afghan Special Forces and fought alongside U.S. troops during the war against the Taliban.
The attack unfolded near the Farragut Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. Authorities say the shooting was deliberate and carried out in an ambush-style manner. Witnesses reported hearing 10 to 15 gunshots before officers exchanged fire with the suspect. Lakanwal was hit four times, taken into custody, and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Early statements from witnesses and audio recordings suggest the suspect may have shouted in a foreign language before opening fire, though officials stress that these details have not yet been verified.
The condition of the two National Guard members remains uncertain. Initial reports indicated both had died, but later updates state they are in critical condition. Some federal sources describe their injuries as grave, though no official medical determination has been released.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed deep sorrow shortly after the incident. “Denise and I are devastated by the news,” he said, adding that their prayers were with the injured service members and their families. District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb also condemned the attack, calling it a heartbreaking moment for the city and the nation.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Metropolitan Police Department are jointly leading the investigation. While the motive has not been confirmed, officials say early indicators have prompted them to examine the case as a possible act of terrorism. At this stage, investigators have found no evidence suggesting a broader plot or links to federal targets.
With ambush-style attacks on military and law enforcement personnel rising nationwide this year, the shooting has intensified ongoing concerns about public security and the risks faced by Guard units deployed in civilian areas.
Authorities are asking anyone with video footage or information related to the incident to come forward as they continue to piece together a clear timeline of events. More details will be released as the investigation progresses.
